This update is just for the Google Play Edition of the HTC One, which runs stock Android."Google Play Edition" (GPE) is a relatively new initiative by Google. The general idea is to produce a flagship phone with all the skinned software removed. The devices are sold through the Play Store unlocked and contract free, which means they usually run about $600. Besides the GPE HTC One, there's also a Google Play Edition of the Galaxy S 4. While we haven't heard about a KitKat update for the GPE S 4, Samsung shouldn't be too far behind.

Along with the Nexus and Moto X updates, today's news makes the KitKat update timeline look something like this:

The moral of the story: skinning Android slows down updates. There isn't a single skinned phone on the list unless you count the incredibly light changes made by Motorola. The Moto X is the most impressive entry here, as every other phone is unlocked and therefore doesn't have to deal with carrier approval. Motorola managed to get KitKat up and running and get it through the carrier red tape (even on Verizon!) in record time.

The HTC One OTA update is slowly rolling out to users now. If you're not interested in waiting, a link to the zip file is already on XDA-Developers. Once you download the file, the command you're looking for is "adb sideload [OTA filename]." Have fun!

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Ron Amadeo
Ron is the Reviews Editor at Ars Technica, where he specializes in Android OS and Google products. He is always on the hunt for a new gadget and loves to rip things apart to see how they work. Emailron@arstechnica.com//Twitter@RonAmadeo